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JOSH Teams Launched for TB Elimination

Kumari Sonali

JOSH Teams Launched for TB Elimination:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to strengthen youth-led community participation in TB elimination.

  • JOSH Teams will mobilise MY Bharat Volunteers and NCC Cadets to promote TB prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment, treatment adherence and stigma reduction at the grassroots.
  • Teams will undertake household and community interactions, identify people with TB symptoms, encourage testing, support treatment completion and address myths, misconceptions and discrimination.
  • In the first phase, teams have been deployed in 55 districts across 11 States and Union Territories, with nationwide expansion planned.
  • The initiative brings together the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Defence, promoting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to TB elimination.
  • 2030 Goal: JOSH Teams seek to accelerate India’s efforts towards TB elimination before 2030 by strengthening Jan Bhagidari, youth participation and last-mile community engagement.
  • India has recorded a 21% decline in TB incidence, compared with a 12% global decline, while TB treatment coverage has increased to 92%, compared with 78% globally.
  • In 2026, 67,933 Panchayats across 697 districts were recognised as TB Mukt, reflecting increased community-level participation in TB prevention and control.
  • Technology for TB Control: India is using AI-supported portable X-ray systems and rapid molecular diagnostic technologies to strengthen early detection and identify drug resistance.
  • The JOSH Flipbook, JOSH Brochure, Khushi Avatar e-Sangini service (available in 12 Indian languages) and a dedicated JOSH Teams feature on the TB Mukt Bharat App were launched to strengthen awareness, treatment adherence and community engagement.